Multiple sclerosis in pregnancy and its role in female fertility: a systematic review
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Authors
Lamaita, Rivia
Melo, Carolina
Laranjeira, Cláudia
Barquero, Paula
Gomes, Joyce
Silva-Filho, Agnaldo
Issue Date
2021-07
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis , Pregnancy , Female Fertility , Systematic Review
Alternative Title
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that typically affects young women of reproductive age. There are still many questions and heterogeneous clinical approaches partly due to the lack of consensus and guidelines. For many years, women with MS have been discouraged from getting pregnant for fears that the disease might negatively affect the fetus or increase their obstetric risk or for claims that the disease might decrease fertility. However, fertility does not seem to be impaired to a larger extent in women with MS. Therefore, all healthcare providers involved in the follow-up of multiple sclerosis patients must be prepared to discuss future fertility, pregnancy, and others matters, in addition to providing them with the best possible counseling. This study presents data based on updated evidence and discusses fertility and pregnancy in patients with MS with respect to the impacts of pregnancy on the risk and prognostic factors tied to MS, and the impact of MS on pregnancy outcomes and fertility treatments administered to females with MS. In conclusion, a clear relationship between infertility and MS has not been established. There seems to exist a link between disease aggressiveness and progression with several processes that might impair fertility. However, MS does not stand as a contraindication to assisted reproductive technology. From the several studies analyzed, it is possible to conclude that pregnancy is possible in women with MS. It is important to discuss and plan the ideal moment to start treatment and managing pregnancy and contraception aiming at better results.
Description
Citation
Lamaita, R., Melo, C., Laranjeira, C., Barquero, P., Gomes, J., & Silva-Filho, A. (2021). Multiple Sclerosis in Pregnancy and its Role in Female Fertility: A Systematic Review. JBRA assisted reproduction, 25(3), 493–499. https://doi.org/10.5935/1518-0557.20210022
Publisher
JBRA Assisted Reproduction